Canine Cushing's Disease: Welfare Management of Hyperadrenocorticism

Cushing's disease causes chronic excess cortisol in older dogs, with wide-ranging welfare effects from muscle weakness, organ dysfunction, and increased infection susceptibility requiring lifelong management.

Key Facts

Hyperadrenocorticism affects around 100,000 dogs in the UK annually
Around 80-85 percent of cases are pituitary-dependent, caused by a pituitary tumor
Adrenal-dependent Cushing's accounts for the remainder, caused by adrenal gland tumors
Clinical signs include polydipsia, polyuria, pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, and skin changes
Medical management with trilostane is the most common treatment in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with untreated Cushing's disease experience chronic welfare compromise from the multiple effects of excess cortisol. Muscle wasting causes progressive weakness and exercise intolerance, limiting activities dogs previously enjoyed. Excessive thirst and urination cause house-soiling in dogs that are normally clean, causing distress and requiring management. Skin changes including hair loss, calcinosis cutis, and skin thinning are uncomfortable and can progress to secondary infections. The immunosuppressive effect of chronic excess cortisol increases vulnerability to bacterial infections including urinary tract infections and skin infections that cause additional welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Monitor older dogs for subtle signs of Cushing's disease including increased thirst and reduced exercise tolerance
Seek veterinary assessment promptly if Cushing's disease is suspected as early diagnosis improves management
Follow prescribed medication regimens carefully and attend scheduled monitoring appointments
Manage secondary infections promptly as they arise
Maintain a record of clinical signs to discuss progress with your veterinarian
Discuss quality-of-life assessment and long-term prognosis realistically with your vet